How to Equip Managers to Lead Remote Teams and Reap Productivity Gains

IBL News | New York

The percentage of people working from home has skyrocketed due to COVID-19 pandemic.

How are business organizations responding?

Recent surveys indicate that two-thirds of businesses are struggling to adapt to remote work. Employees’ productivity and engagement are now at stake.

Management consultant Gallup suggests creating a long-term, work-from-home strategy that makes sense for your unique business circumstances and employees’ wellbeing.

How CEOs and managers lead their remote teams and position each team member is critical. Their goal should always be to inspire and empower employees to be the best versions of themselves.

These are seven ideas that can inspire productivity gains in the workforce, making employees happier, and more efficient:

  1. Set specific goals and key milestones, and clarify the role of each member. In addition, CEOs and managers should explain the vision of the company, along with expectations on performance, getting everyone behind the mission.
  2. Make time for interaction and video chat, giving your teammates an opportunity to bond. This way they will collaborate naturally on teams.
  3. Offer weekly feedback and recognize employees’ efforts to foster motivation. Millennials especially appreciate that. Build a culture of feedback, transparency, and learning, getting to know each individual.
  4. Set incentive and rewards programs, after you understand what motivates your employees. Give recognition for good work.
  5. Increase workers’ autonomy, allowing them to make free choices in the workplace, and be accountable for their decisions. Encourage risk-taking.
  6. Organize remote workshops and provide new knowledge through effective online training, both synchronous and self-paced.
  7. Empower the workforce with the best technology. Find solutions that can automate and speed up tedious and unproductive tasks.